Fourteenth annual health fair co-hosted by OUWB in Harper Woods - Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

About 30 OUWB students recently volunteered at a community event aimed at promoting healthy living and showcasing the school’s commitment to service.

The 14^th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Health Fair at Chandler Park Academy High School in Harper Woods was held March 27. Co-hosted by OUWB, the event took place later than originally scheduled due to an emergency snow day in January.

Open to both Chandler Park Academy students and the surrounding community, about 60 attendees were able to receive basic health screenings and participate in various educational activities. Eighteen community organizations participated.

“It’s important for our students to have opportunities like this to be in the community, show their support, and give back,” said Brandon Harris, coordinator, Diversity & Inclusion, OUWB. “It’s all about helping our students be as well-rounded as possible.”

Students and staff from OUWB and Oakland University were set up at 10 stations, each focused on screenings such as blood pressure, glucose, and lipid.

Students like Frogina Ibrahim, M2, said it was important for them to be part of the event. Ibrahim was working at the blood pressure station.

“It’s very empowering because it makes you feel like you actually have a role in giving back to your community,” she said. “I went (to Oakland) for undergrad…it feels great to give back to the community that I feel helped raise me.”

CNS Healthcare was among the community organizations involved. CNS is a nonprofit that provides mental care resources to all ages in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.

CNS Representative Madison Conforto said the organization wanted to use the fair as an opportunity to spread word that “mental care matters and mental health matters.”

“Even if it’s just one person who stops by saying ‘I really need this resource for myself, a friend, a family member, or someone else I know,’ then it will be a worthwhile event,” she said.

University of Detroit-Mercy’s recently launched School of Optometry was another event participant. Angela Vessables, director, Admissions and Recruitment, said the fair was an opportunity to spread awareness and connect with younger students.

“Our school is relatively new and we’re looking to have an impact in the community … this seemed like a great way to do so,” she said.

Oakland University’s Physical Therapy program also had a station set up. Jacqueline Scully, P.T., special instructor, said the PT cohort was promoting the importance of “good strength, good balance, and good flexibility.”

“We have easy little tests that they can go through and show them where they compare to the norms for their age group and so on,” she said. “We’re here to promote a healthy living style.”

It was exactly the kind of thing being sought by fair attendees like Barry Burke of Detroit.

“This event seems like a good idea for everyone,” he said walking between stations. “Personally, I’ve been on a new cholesterol medicine for the last six months and haven’t had a chance to get a check-up until today.”

M2 Julia Barto worked at the lipid station and helped attendees like Burke.

“I wanted to be here today because it’s fun to get out in the community and do volunteer work,” she said. “I’m part of the Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group … (I like being) able to apply that passion of mine and service in the community.”

M2 Hannah Knoll said she agreed.

“We’re gaining all of this knowledge in med school, why not give back and share it with as many other people as possible?” she said.

It’s the kind of willingness to give back that drew praise from Kelvin Wise, district STEM coordinator, Chandler Park Academy.

“This is 14th year and we’ve been able to keep the ball rolling,” he said. “I really enjoy working with the people from OUWB…we have a very good working relationship.”